Ondo State Government has again warned all the Hausa/Fulani Cattle rearers across the State to stay away from all government farm centres especially the Ore Agro Business City or face the wrath of law.
The Chairman of the State Wealth Creation Agency, Mrs Bolanle Olafunmiloye, who gave the warning during a meeting with the leaders of the herdsmen held at the farm city hall in Odigbo Local Gorvernment Area, said it is disheartening that the cattle rearers still invade the farms causing larg scale destruction to the crops and other recreational facilities despite several meetings held with them on the same issue.
Mrs Olafunmiloye noted that the Ore Agro Business City which is one of the largest among other farm cities established across the state by the Mimiko led administration, was mainly to serve as incubation centre for training and exposing the youth to the entire agricultural value chain that will propel them into wealth creation ventures.
She stressed that the present administration was mindful of the dwindling revenue accruing to the State and as a result give priority to agricultural development as alternative source of revenue and employment generation for the unemployed youth.
The Chairman explained further that government has expended a lot of resources on agricultural sector with a view to create additional wealth into the economy reduce joblessness and increase food production for the populace, warning that government will no longer fold its arms and allow any group of people or individual to sabotage its effort at making life more meaningful for its citizens.
Also speaking the Secretary of the Agency, Mr Segun Odusanya expressed appreciation to the stakeholders and security agencies for attending the meeting, assuring them that their suggestions will assist the Agency to take decision that will ensure lasting peace in the community.
In his response the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, popularly known as Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Bello Garuba promised to call a meeting of Hausa/Fulani Cattle rearers in the State to inform them on the agreement reached and prevail on them to desist from grazing their animals on government farms.
He, however, suggested that two of his people should be involved in the monitoring of the activities of the herdsmen round the Agro Business city especially those that use to passing through the State to neighbouring states.
Present at the meeting were Special Assistance to the Governor on Hausa Matters, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, leader of non-indegene in the State, Alhaji Abdukadiri Adinoyi, Director of Odigbo Local Gorvernment Administration, Dr. Bayo Ilawole, Division Police Officer (DPO) Ore, State Coordinator Partner for Peace, Chief Akomolafe Pious among others
Egunjobi Banjo,
Information Officer WECA.